Majority of Romans Hold Positive Views Toward International Investors, According to Research
Romania's citizens are showing a strong preference for more foreign investment in their country, according to a poll by INSCOP Research, commissioned by Concordia Employers' Confederation. Here's the lowdown:
- The FDI Verdict: Nearly two-thirds (68%) of Romanians are in favor of enhancing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Romania, whereas only about 15% advocate for curbing such investments. This obvious endorsement underscores the public's appetite for more FDI in the country [1].
- Romanian Companies Abroad: Over 60% of respondents hold a favorable opinion concerning Romanian companies investing in foreign countries. younger demographics are especially enthusiastic about this investment perspective [5].
- The Engines of Stability and Progress: The survey reveals that the public views companies as powerhouses driving stability and progress, which sets an ideal time to develop a robust economy that promotes prosperity for all. Radu Burnete, Concordia's executive director, echoed this sentiment [1].
It's also worth noting that over 50% of respondents aspire for a stronger presence of state-owned companies than private ones, which might be worrisome if it fuels isolationist and state-centric trends [1].
However, the sentiment towards Romanian companies investing abroad is somewhat divided, as 29.6% of respondents express a negative view. Interestingly, this disapproval rate is inversely proportional to perceived income, education, and urbanization. Wealthier, educated individuals living in urban areas tend to hold positive views on such investments, particularly when they're expanded within the European Union [1].
Additionally, the poll indicates that 89.7% of Romanians support membership in NATO and the EU, while just 6.4% want their country to exit these groups. Despite over half (66.3%) of respondents saying Romania is moving in the wrong direction, this view seems more associated with domestic issues than the country's membership in NATO or the EU [1].
Regarding the impact of EU membership on Romania's sovereignty, only around half (51.6%) believe the impact is minimal, while 40.6% believe it's too strong. A staggering 80.7% believe Romania should be more proactive in negotiating its position within the EU [1].
iulian@our website
(Photo source: Wanida Prapan/Dreamstime.com)
[1] Data from the poll "on the population's attitude regarding economic patriotism and the vulnerabilities of the democratic regime.”[5] Insights from Remus Ştefureac, president of INSCOP.
- Despite more than half of Romanians supporting a stronger presence of state-owned companies, there's concern over potential isolationist and state-centric trends arising from this.
- In contrast to the general support for foreign investment, 29.6% of Romanian citizens express negative sentiments towards their own companies investing abroad, with the disapproval rate being inversely proportional to perceived income, education, and urbanization.
- Misinterpretations may occur when evaluating the impact of EU membership on Romania's sovereignty, as only around half of respondents believe the impact is minimal, while nearly 41% believe it's too strong, indicating a need for greater proactivity in negotiating Romania's position within the EU.
- Business, finance, politics, and general news media should maintain a watchful eye on Romanians' sentiments towards foreign investing, as the populace has shown a preference for it, while also acknowledging the nuanced views that surround Romanian companies investing abroad.
